Diagnostic Medical Sonography News February 2020 | Page 5

Miscellaneous:
Compassion in Healthcare &
Transgender Patient Care
We all know that compassionate healthcare results in better patient
outcomes. However, obtaining healthcare is a daunting task for many
transgender patients. Fear of judgment and discrimination prevent many
transgender patients from seeking healthcare at all. So how can providers
better deliver quality healthcare to patients who identify as transgender?
The first step is to educate oneself on what it means to be transgender.
Transgender individuals identify as a sex other than the one they were
assigned at birth. This means that they can identify as transgender, male to
female (MTF); as transgender, female to male (FTM) or as transgender, do not
identify as male or female. As of 2017, an estimated one million Americans
identified as transgender, and that number is expected to grow rapidly as
social acceptance continues to rise.
It is important to follow these steps when caring for transgender patients:

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Never assume a patient’s gender identity.
Use gender-neutral language.
Avoid using titles, such as Mr., Mrs., Sir, Ma’am, etc.
Use the patient’s full name or their preferred name.
If in doubt, ask.
It is essential to keep in mind that a person’s gender identity may vary from
their physical appearance. If you are unsure, ask your patient, “What name
would you like me to call you?” or “What are your preferred pronouns?”
before using gender-specific language. If you make a mistake, sincerely
apologize and ask the patient how they would like to be addressed moving
forward.
It has long been established that all patients, regardless of age, sex, race,
sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious background, etc., deserve the same
level of healthcare. The same principle should apply to those whose gender
identity does not match their assigned sex. As future healthcare providers, it
is imperative that we continue to educate ourselves and be compassionate to
each and every patient we encounter.
Mannon Fulford
Program Intern
References
McDonagh D, et al. Transgender patient care principles in radiation oncology.
American Society of Radiologic Technologists. 2019;28(2):159-175.
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